"Who wants to know about the best way to lose?" one of my opinionated relatives barked over New Year's dinner.

I tried not to roll my eyes as he passed the dish of macaroni and cheese.
"Not everyone gets hired for a job," I said, careful to keep a steady tone. "It's just a way of turning a negative into something more positive."

"Like this gravy does for this tough beef?" he asked, in a not so quiet voice. I purposely avoided looking at our host, who I'm pretty sure was fuming. I decided that next time, I'd offer to sit at the kiddie table.

Okay, so my rude, big-mouthed relative had a point. It's true-no one really wants to think about what to do if they're turned down for a job. We only want to keep our heads high, stay confident, and fantasize about those morning Starbucks runs we'll make after being hired.

Only thing is, that doesn't always happen. It's just the reality of it. Hundreds of people apply for one position, and for every one position, of course, only one person can be hired. Several top candidates may be selected and interviewed, but again, the cold reality is that only one person gets the job.

So if you're one of those top interview candidates that the company seemed to love, but who still wasn't hired, don't go kicking your furniture or weeping into your sleeves. Life isn't over-in fact, there's a great way to turn this rejection into a fighting second chance.

Here's what you can do: type out your own response to this rejection. Make it a simple, clean, professional response. Don't let spite or even a shred of sarcasm creep into your letter, hinting at how they missed out on a great thing by not hiring you. Okay, so of course they did, but let's not get dirty-remember, we're creating a second chance here.

So here's what you can say in your letter, words that can ultimately get you that job you want most:

a)Tell the hiring manager, or whoever you spoke with in person, how you truly appreciate the time they took to interview you, and be sure to thank them for this:

I am truly grateful for having been considered for the position of (name of position),
and that you took such valuable time out of your schedule to meet with me.

b)Tell this person that you hope you'll be kept in mind for any future openings/positions that may arise:

Please keep me in mind if this position becomes available again.

c) Wish their company the best of luck, and mention something positive that recently happened, like a new acquisition, a rise in sales-something that benefit the company. Why? It's a reminder of your strong interest in the company, simply because you're aware of what's going on.

GOLDEN POSSIBILITIES

This post-rejection letter will get your name & written voice in front of them once again, which increases your chances of being remembered even more. Believe me, this can only work in your favor. How? Just consider these possibilities:

Fighting chance #1: The candidate that the company decided to hire may decline the company's offer of employment and choose another...

Fighting chance #2: After working at this company for a while, the hired candidate may decide that the position isn't exactly what they wanted, and they may quit, with or without notice...

Fighting chance #3: For whatever reason, the company may see that the hired candidate isn't all they thought he/she would be, and will let this person go.

Either way it may work out, each possibility is a golden fighting chance for you. Your cleanly displayed professionalism in your post-rejection letter will only help to keep you in mind if this position opens up again. And you never know, that could happen even sooner than you might think.

So stay positive! The end could be the beginning!

About The Author:

Kit Samuels, owner of "Kit Samuels Teacher Resumes, is a resume writer with over 14 years of actual teaching experience. She uses her skills for writing persuasive sales copy to create eye-catching, interview-winning resumes and cover letters. For a copy of her report, Free Resume Writing Help25 Ready-Made Phrases You Can Use To Supercharge Your Own Resume, visit her site today: http://www.ksteacherresumes.com